Los Angeles daily herald., 1887-05-24

her nose aquiline, and her mouth like a
ring set in ruby lips. She looked grave
and sad, but bushes suffused her cheeks
as she bowed gracefully. and with a
sweet smile put s.chebook" into my
mouth. and then retired. Her HAIR was
braided in tresses around her head and
adorned with coins. Two long braids
hung down her back. This vision of a
Turkish maiden seemed like dream,
and while pondering over the pretty
figure that had just left, and wondering
whether she would return, another dan-
sci appeared bearing cup of coffee in o
''finjan" studded with precious stones.
Bending before me, she put it on the
little table.
She appeared to be about fifteen,
dressed like the bearer OF the chebook,
but of o fairer complexion, with dark
blue eyes, her nose ''retrousse." She
was not so demure in her looks Or man
ner, and standing before me, blushing
and smiling with q mirthful expression.
said in very sweet voice, my father
bids me ask If there is anything you
wish for, and to say yoHr supper will
soon be ready" | Thanked her, but
held my tongue, remembering | was an
honorable man," She retired, turning
at the threshold to look at me, having a
pretty smile OF mischief. Shortly after
ward the elder damsel reappeared,
bringing sherbet. l thanked her, and
she bowed and Withdrew.
Then the host followed to announce
that supper was rendyi inquirng
whether had been properly attended
to, be led me to Il lower room, remark
ing that he thought | should be better
able to enjoy my repast without his
presence, bpt that be hoped in the
evening to converse with me.
During the supper | was waited on by
both the fair maidens, who brought me
in succession a numbsr of sayory dishes,
with fruit and sweets of all kinds, for
which the Turks are famous. ! partook
of everything largely, to the evident
amusement aud pleasure OF the maidens.
The elder was no longer so demnre in
her manner, and the eyes of the younger
sparked with fun rs she waited on me;
but reirained from conversation fur
ther than to thank them now and then,
saying ever to myself: "My host says |
am an honorable man." but | fear my
looks betrayed my admiration.
After snpper the Bey conducted me to
my apartment, where coffee was brought
to me by the damsels. both OF whom. l
learned, were bis daughters. ] expressed
to the Bey my warmest thanks for his
hospitality, aud for the great confidence
he had shown by admitting me among
his family. Upon this, he said he would
relate why he had broken through the
Mahometan esstom and usages and bid
den me welcome TO his harem. He was
fulfilling q vow made years ago, that
whenever he had an opportunity he
would endeavor TO give proof of his
gratitude for kindness received from the
captain of British merchant vessel.
"When was q young man." continued
Bey. "before ] was married, ! went on
a pilgrimage to Mecca. 0n my return
EN- barked from Alexandra on Turki b
vessel bound to Constantinople. We
encountered heavy gale; the vessel
was old and rotten; leaks were sprung,
and the captain, crew and myself. who
was the only pass nger. had barely
time to get into the ships boat, wber
the vessel was sunk. lost all my
clothes aud money, with the exception
of few piastres. We expected every
moment the boat would be swamped by
the heavy seas breaking around us, when
a ship hove in sight. Signals OF distress
were made and she game to our assist
ance, and we were all taken safely OF
board. She proved to be al English
vessel bound for Salonica. The captain
kind hearted but rough looking sailor
tgaye US dry ciothes, and dressed me ii
warm suit Of his own and supplied al
with food.
ave arrived at Salonica, and wa:
enabled through the pratique master,
who understood little English, to ex-
press my gratitude. offered to pay fol
my passage and food. The Captain was
Indignant, and said he would not accept
fartbing, but, on the contrary, having
learned that | had no money to continue
my voyage and had no friends at Saloni
ca, put small sum into my hands
which would enable me to proceed to
Constantinople.
"You," he continued, ''are the frs
Englishman to whom / have had an OPP
portunity of showing feelings of graft
tude long pent-up to your eountrymer
who saved my life"
then told him that was one of thu
secretaries OF the British embassy al
Constantinople, and what had been tht
object Of my visit to -. l said
should lmake known to the "great
Ilchee" his hospitality and kindness.
He again impressed upon me his anxious
wish that should keep my reception in
his household a secret. and, above all,
the fact that ! had been waited on by
his daughters-for. as he said, it would
be serious matter il this were known
to his co.religionists; but he consented
tha. should let the ambassador know
confidently all that had happened;
but to my Turkish friends at Constan.
tinople should mention only that and
and my servant had received shelter for
the night in his farm..yard. He also re.
quested me not TO tell the Greek | had
seen any women in the house.
AT sunrise next day l was up, and
going into the courtyard gave directions
| to my servant to have the horses ready
for start as soon as had breakfasted. :.
He informed me that he had been well
taken care OF. i gave the Greek several
gold piastres, which directed should be
distributed among the dependents OF the
Bey. He informed me that he had
learned from the old gatekeeper the Bey
had only one wife, and no other inmates
of the harem except his two daughters
and some black slaves. A good break.
fast was ready for me as l re.entered the
house, and again the pretty damsels
waited on me without the presence OF
their father; and, though had lost NV
heart lit was an easy matter in those
days) to the blue.eyed little maiden,
refrained from saying more than expires,
sions of thanks in the most polite Turk
ish, keeping steadfastly in mind that an
"English gentleman is an honorable
man..
On going away, the Bey accompanied
me to the door, and while I reiterated
my warmest thanks, he put into nv